Lakers are beginning to believe

Last night's win over the New York Knicks was impressive in many different ways. Most analysts will spend today talking about what the team did on the floor that led them to their first winning streak of the season.

But, there was one telling moment in the second half that really helped summarize what this Lakers team is turning into. After forward Josh McRoberts slammed home an emphatic dunk there was a brief moment when the television cameras focused on Kobe Bryant, who was on the bench at the time. Bryant had a stunned look of amazement before simply chuckling to himself and applauding the play.

So, what does this mean?

The Lakers are beginning to believe in each other.

Sure it's only been four games and the team is only 2-2, but they're starting to get it. This group of ragtag players that have bounced around the league like a pinball are beginning to trust one another. The look on Bryant's face was more telling than any of the plays made on the court Thursday night. A guy like Kobe Bryant has seen just about everything there is to see in the NBA. And to be honest, most of it he's done himself.

Still, this brief moment that left Bryant momentarily stunned is hopefully a microcosm for the future. While fans and members of the media are often cynical and quick to pass judgment, if the team can surprise its best player then the pundits are sure to follow.

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